For almost 24 years the family of former British Special Air Services soldier Ilisoni Ligairi, 84, had lost trust in the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces.
Mr Ligairi was responsible in setting up and training the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit.
The unit later carried out the 2000 coup and mutinies.
His daughter Raijeli Ligairi said the 2000 coup had ruined their relationship.
“During the 2000 coup, our relationship with the military was broken. We had lost trust in them,” she said.
Ms Ligairi said it was hard for the family to get along with the military.
“Two members of our clan were arrested due to the 2000 coup. They were not only physically hurt but also mentally affected.”
In an interview with this newspaper, she said her father believed he was being monitored after he was released from prison.
“His plan when he came out from prison was to forgive them. He couldn’t do that because everywhere he went, he was monitored.”
She said for the past 24 years their father was not allowed to speak to anyone from the military or for anyone to visit him.
“He couldn’t go anywhere.”
However, she said on Wednesday this week they put everything to rest after the RFMF reconciliation team presented a matinigasau to Mr Ligairi.
“The military had hurt a lot of people especially us.”
She said she believed her father had a lot of things to tell the military officers but due to his illness, he could not speak properly.
“He has distorted speech but only told them ‘dou lako ena vakacegu’, meaning go in peace.
“He always tells us not to be angry and forgive them. He didn’t want to be compensated for anything.”
RFMF Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai said this was part of their reconciliation efforts. The 84-year-old man of Nabalebale was among those detained on Nukulau Island with George Speight. He served one year in jail.